Proper Use

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Also, tell your doctor if you are on a low-sodium diet.

If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow right away. Do not keep the mixture for future use.

Do not change to another brand without checking with your doctor. The number of capsules or tablets that you take depends on the brand and strength of the medicine. If you refill your medicine and it looks different, check with your pharmacist.

Keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For treatment of ulcerative colitis:

For oral dosage form (capsules):

Adults—Three 750-milligram (mg) capsules three times a day, for a total daily dose of 6750 mg for 8 weeks. You may need to take the medicine for up to 12 weeks as ordered by your doctor.

Children 5 years of age and older—Three 750-mg balsalazide capsules three times a day for a total daily dose of 6750 mg for 8 weeks or one 750-mg balsalazide capsule three times a day for a total daily dose of 2250 mg for 8 weeks.

Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For oral dosage form (tablets):

Adults—Three 1.1-gram (g) tablets two times a day, for a total daily dose of 6.6 g, taken for up to 8 weeks.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.